Dravid wants 'give-and-take' between IPL and Tests

Rahul Dravid, the former India batsman, has said that creating a window for the Indian Premier League would not only let the world's best players participate in the lucrative domestic Twenty20 tournament but, importantly, also allow them to play Test cricket, thereby enlivening the longer format.

"The reality is the IPL is an important tournament and people do want to play it," Dravid said on BBC's Test Match Special at Lord's during the third Test between England and South Africa. "And we are probably coming to a stage where maybe a time will come [when] there will need to be give-and-take - whether it is finding a window, or, whether making the tournament a little shorter."

Dravid was asked by the TMS host Jonathan Agnew whether the IPL, a tournament that lasts for close to two months, had played a big role in Kevin Pietersen falling out with the ECB and losing support from his teammates, which led to him missing the Lord's Test. Dravid, who is in London to attend the MCC cricket committee meetings, was not sure if the IPL was the reason for the Pietersen debacle. He said a solution was necessary considering the IPL would continue to clash with the start of the England cricketing summer and Test cricket could not afford losing big names such as Pietersen and Chris Gayle.

Pietersen had stirred a controversy in April when he said England were jealous of the IPL. A month later, he retired from limited-overs cricket, saying he wanted to focus only on Tests. That decision came on the heels of exhaustive discussions with the ECB, where Pietersen said he wanted to play only Test and Twenty20 cricket. But the ECB central contracts state that any player who makes himself unavailable for either format of limited-overs cricket is automatically ruled out of selection for both ODIs and T20s.

"There are some positives with the IPL and you have to understand that if the top players in the world want to play it and people want to watch then there is got to be some thing good about it is as well," Dravid said. "It does effect the England season particularly, and, especially since traditionally the English season has been the same for many, many years. So it is challenging that a little bit.

"In time we are getting to that stage where all of us want the best players playing [Test cricket]. We all want Chris Gayle playing for West Indies whenever West Indies play a Test match. None of us want to see a situation today where a great player like Kevin misses out today for whatever reasons and I don't want to get into that. But it is disappointing. The game is a loser when the top players don't play Test cricket."

Dravid, who led Rajasthan Royals in the previous IPL, felt that for Test cricket to continue attracting fans and remain marketable, it was important that the best players were always available for selection. Leaving out the likes of Gayle and Pietersen, Dravid felt, would only drive the fans away.

"I am not sure what the solution to it is exactly but I would love to be in a situation where the best players can play the IPL as well as represent their country in Test cricket. People like Chris Gayle and Kevin Pietersen are fantastic for Test cricket as they are for IPL and T20 cricket. And they have a short window in which to show us their talent. At the end of the day this is the game for the fans. The best players should represent their country - it is not only about the people who come to the ground. It is also for the young boys and girls who passionately follow their country in Test cricket. It is hard and disappointing when the best players don't turn up to play for their country."

i dont think its a fair idea to give a separate window for IPL .. bcoz in the future the situation might arise where players would prematurely retire from international duties and just play IPL for 2 months and earn more than what they get from playing internationall matches.. and players in the future doesnt dream for international spot any more they just would be more than happy getting selected in the IPL auction..

on August 19, 2012, 8:04 GMT

ipl is defintely the best thing that happened for the world cricket .....not only it has raised the standard of T20...but it also had make people earn big time ..from players to franchise owners...everyone involved there is earning big....
and i hate ECB policy for kevin peterson .....
i suppose if they had allowed KP to play IPL then he would have performed 1000 times better for englands test matched......you cant understimate the serious talent that KP has......

on August 19, 2012, 1:49 GMT

I completely agree @ahmed hussain odis are the best format, test cricket is dead nd i love t20s but if a team is supose 50-4 in 13 ovs, its game over already but the best darn thing bout odis is that they are not as borin as tests but there are always comebacks.Who can forget the 438 match or the 1999 CWC semi final or even Ire's thumping of Eng last CWC where KOB scored a smashing century to lead them home after they had lost 5 wkts for 111. its these moments that make 50 ovs the best format. u dont get to see dem in t20s and definitely not in tests(boring!!)

satheeshkumar.m
on August 18, 2012, 13:50 GMT

I am an Indian but I disagree with Dravid. IPL is a domestic tournament and no domestic tournament should get such a special privilege.

Metro-ant
on August 18, 2012, 7:40 GMT

Dravid's right when he says the best players should be playing test cricket but giving room for a domestic tournament?

WalterHP
on August 18, 2012, 7:40 GMT

The IPL is here to stay and good. it's another option for both fans and professionals. the ECB is part of the backward looking English establishment, hoping to turn back the clock. But Cricket is no longer an English game, and England no longer rules the world. The MCC is an English thing and the ICC now sits in Asia. KP and Gayle are pioneers.. India has money to pay and county cricket in England has no following and no money.These are the facts......the rest is interpretation.

VivtheGreatest
on August 18, 2012, 6:30 GMT

@Jerry Kurian ,I was thinking the same thing why not split the IPL into 2 halves in Mar-Apr and Sep-Oct of the same year and get rid of the Champions League which no one watches anyway. That way I think u wouldnt encroach too much on any other countries international commitments

getsetgopk
on August 18, 2012, 4:55 GMT

IPL should be renamed as Indian Premier Hoopla LOL and that would be so fitting, a hoopla needs no window or anything because its a hoopla already heheehhe

on August 18, 2012, 4:13 GMT

By saying that the best players should play both T20 and Tests, does Dravid indirectly sound a death knell to the 50 over format - a fact that most cricket commentators talk about these days !!

Cpt.Meanster
on August 18, 2012, 2:23 GMT

@Ahmed Hussain: My friend.. I could give you a big hug right now lol. I mean you are right in your statement on test cricket. A lot of people are SCARED to even admit they don't follow test cricket. I am not one of them. I have made it public how much I despise the oldest form of the game. Sure, some countries can still play test cricket all they want. I do respect it being the oldest form of the sport. I don't even mind test cricket surviving throughout my lifetime. I just wish it doesn't INTERFERE with my T20 cricket. T20 is the BEST format in terms of entertainment, result orientation, duration, attraction, marketability, easiness in understanding the rules etc. And the players LOVE playing it. Ask any test level player and he will tell you. If you ask me, the IPL has pioneered something special. Even the ODI form is a good one though I am not sure about meaningless ODI fixtures here and there. I have no regret about being a fan of T20 cricket.

siri21
on August 19, 2012, 10:24 GMT

i dont think its a fair idea to give a separate window for IPL .. bcoz in the future the situation might arise where players would prematurely retire from international duties and just play IPL for 2 months and earn more than what they get from playing internationall matches.. and players in the future doesnt dream for international spot any more they just would be more than happy getting selected in the IPL auction..

on August 19, 2012, 8:04 GMT

ipl is defintely the best thing that happened for the world cricket .....not only it has raised the standard of T20...but it also had make people earn big time ..from players to franchise owners...everyone involved there is earning big....
and i hate ECB policy for kevin peterson .....
i suppose if they had allowed KP to play IPL then he would have performed 1000 times better for englands test matched......you cant understimate the serious talent that KP has......

on August 19, 2012, 1:49 GMT

I completely agree @ahmed hussain odis are the best format, test cricket is dead nd i love t20s but if a team is supose 50-4 in 13 ovs, its game over already but the best darn thing bout odis is that they are not as borin as tests but there are always comebacks.Who can forget the 438 match or the 1999 CWC semi final or even Ire's thumping of Eng last CWC where KOB scored a smashing century to lead them home after they had lost 5 wkts for 111. its these moments that make 50 ovs the best format. u dont get to see dem in t20s and definitely not in tests(boring!!)

satheeshkumar.m
on August 18, 2012, 13:50 GMT

I am an Indian but I disagree with Dravid. IPL is a domestic tournament and no domestic tournament should get such a special privilege.

Metro-ant
on August 18, 2012, 7:40 GMT

Dravid's right when he says the best players should be playing test cricket but giving room for a domestic tournament?

WalterHP
on August 18, 2012, 7:40 GMT

The IPL is here to stay and good. it's another option for both fans and professionals. the ECB is part of the backward looking English establishment, hoping to turn back the clock. But Cricket is no longer an English game, and England no longer rules the world. The MCC is an English thing and the ICC now sits in Asia. KP and Gayle are pioneers.. India has money to pay and county cricket in England has no following and no money.These are the facts......the rest is interpretation.

VivtheGreatest
on August 18, 2012, 6:30 GMT

@Jerry Kurian ,I was thinking the same thing why not split the IPL into 2 halves in Mar-Apr and Sep-Oct of the same year and get rid of the Champions League which no one watches anyway. That way I think u wouldnt encroach too much on any other countries international commitments

getsetgopk
on August 18, 2012, 4:55 GMT

IPL should be renamed as Indian Premier Hoopla LOL and that would be so fitting, a hoopla needs no window or anything because its a hoopla already heheehhe

on August 18, 2012, 4:13 GMT

By saying that the best players should play both T20 and Tests, does Dravid indirectly sound a death knell to the 50 over format - a fact that most cricket commentators talk about these days !!

Cpt.Meanster
on August 18, 2012, 2:23 GMT

@Ahmed Hussain: My friend.. I could give you a big hug right now lol. I mean you are right in your statement on test cricket. A lot of people are SCARED to even admit they don't follow test cricket. I am not one of them. I have made it public how much I despise the oldest form of the game. Sure, some countries can still play test cricket all they want. I do respect it being the oldest form of the sport. I don't even mind test cricket surviving throughout my lifetime. I just wish it doesn't INTERFERE with my T20 cricket. T20 is the BEST format in terms of entertainment, result orientation, duration, attraction, marketability, easiness in understanding the rules etc. And the players LOVE playing it. Ask any test level player and he will tell you. If you ask me, the IPL has pioneered something special. Even the ODI form is a good one though I am not sure about meaningless ODI fixtures here and there. I have no regret about being a fan of T20 cricket.

RodStark
on August 18, 2012, 1:02 GMT

I don't know if it could possibly work out moneywise, but I would like to see the I (Indian) Premiere League become the I (International) Premiere League. The idea would be that each of eight or ten teams would have a consistent core of international stars and would play a month each in India (April?), England (September?), and Australia (some winter month). (I know other countries would want their turn too, but these are the three biggest markets). Teams would be supplemented by local players. The international "stars" would only be allowed to play in two of the three "legs", thus allowing a reasonable chance for it not to clash with international commitments. I suppose there could be other local leagues too if people wanted them. It sounds exciting to me--truly "international" franchises that would attract fans from all over. Anyone think this could work?

stalefresh
on August 18, 2012, 0:23 GMT

I think everyone keeps getting this wrong. I am too idealistic, and feel that when a test match starts the whole world should stop and take notice - it should be done in style whether it is olympians ringing the bell at lords, or national anthems of countries before the start of day, media hype, coverage, photography etc etc.. and 2 teams who are hungry to win. A lot needs to be at stake - which is what is missing in test matches - it just seems like another game. It is still a lot better than ODI's as far as context is concerned - but Test matches need more.

IPL is a hit but its also a joke when it comes real cricket.

on August 17, 2012, 22:31 GMT

Cpt.Meanster...You actually make a fair point that Test Cricket is dead especially that most people on the planet do not even like Test Cricket or even have time to watch it. Test Cricket is of course important but all forms do offer there own value. In all Sports it all about competition and getting results quickly and T20s and ODIs are exactly that. I prefer ODIs because that form is perfectly balanced where batsman have a bit of time to settle themselves and you get results within a day. I you think about, Test Cricket is really old fashioned as well with players dressed in white wearing these round hats, tea, bad light even though flood lights are the solution etc. I don't understand why Cricket fans are saying they like Tests clearly you don't because its common sense that you guys don't even watch it for 5 straight days. Also take a look at the recent WEST-NEW Series where the entire stadium was empty for all their Test matches and that's proof enough :)

hyped
on August 17, 2012, 21:47 GMT

i think the international calendar is too crowded
players do not get to play for their domestic teams
that reduces the standard
that is why a few world class players are produced..

Cpt.Meanster
on August 17, 2012, 21:05 GMT

Well for those of you asking for IPL to disappear.. well that ain't gonna happen in a zillion years. It's test cricket that will most likely disappear in the next decade. I will not be sad one bit if that happens. I LOVE T20 cricket. It's the future of the game and the most likeliest form of cricket that could be played by every country in the world. Besides, no other league comes even close to the IPL. The IPL is big, famous, it's got the money, glamour and glitz. Sure, there is the BPL, SLPL, BBL etc. But they are all just 'another' league. I personally don't want any window for the IPL because it's already famous. Most players want to play in it irrespective of what their boards say. So let's keep it as it is cause some people are 'worried' about their precious test cricket LOL.

StatisticsRocks
on August 17, 2012, 20:40 GMT

Why should ICC even be involved to begin with. It's the respective cricketing boards decision to send their players or not for any of these PL's let alone IPL. if KP wants to play IPL rather than playing cricket for Eng that is sad as country comes first, period. ECB did the right thing by dropping KP. BCCI says no to Indian players participating in any other PL's. Time set aside by ICC or not , these tournaments will happen.

Desihungama
on August 17, 2012, 18:46 GMT

IPL may be the most famous today and no shame in admitting it but who's to say tomorrow another league will not surpass it. Then what? Will then ICC close the window for IPL and open it for another? If India says what it says that it's looking for compromise then reduce the number of matches. Another thing, IPL is not famous among players because they have special love for brown people, it's only $$. And nothing remains constant, simply law of nature.

StatisticsRocks
on August 17, 2012, 18:43 GMT

@Ravi: he did not make this statement just to hog the limelite...u r forgetting he was responding to a question from Aggers

on August 17, 2012, 18:42 GMT

Its funny to see Indians backing this 'self centered' proposal by a former Indian player. As a Pakistani, I will never ever support IPL simply because they don't let our players to participate so PCB should never back BCCI over this, which they might be demanding it in near by future. More ever, the other leagues are equally entertaining and with couple of seasons, they will get more mature and exciting so its not about the money for a true cricketing fan. Last but not the least, I don't like 20-20 cricket much ..if i have to vote on dismissing all such leagues then I surely will go for it.

Dhushan
on August 17, 2012, 18:17 GMT

@din7: I'm not Indian. I'm SRI LANKAN. A big fan of test cricket & no fan at all of T20 cricket. I too am a huge fan of Dravid but it's very disappointing to see a man of his calibre say such a thing

crick_sucks
on August 17, 2012, 18:11 GMT

I am not so sure of the "give" part. the way I understand BCCI it will not be keen on shortening its lucrative show piece as it is a domestic league and BCCI will not care about other boards interest. It is a money spinning entertainment business and besides there are other parties involved namely franchise owners who care about their profits. So a shortening of the tournament looks very unlikely.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ICC can be smart and pull a trick of its own and provide a window for all domestic T20 leagues with a condition that all of them will take place at the same time period. This will ensure leagues compete with each other and hopefully eventually all of them fizzle out.

crick_sucks
on August 17, 2012, 18:02 GMT

There is a very simple solution to solve this problem if you oppose the IPL window that Dravid asks for. And the solution is to follow BCCI's trend, yes you read it right, follow BCCI's trend and not allow any of its players to take part in foreign domestic cricket. All the foreign fans crying foul at IPL should instead try to convince their respective boards to not give NOC to their players to take part in IPL. Simple as that really. BCCI was so good at this that it did not allow any of its players to take part in a rebel indian domestic league(ICL) as well. So other boards have something to learn from BCCI.

Calif_Prognosticator
on August 17, 2012, 17:55 GMT

You're totally right imho IndnCrktfan. Would love to see T20 disappear, takes away from real cricket and the talent required to make it at such a level. One doesn't see abbreviated versions of football, tennis, basketball, etc. With good reason. Secondly, love you Dravid and all you've done, but no one country's tournament should dictate cricketing schedules for the rest of the world. A rather unfair expectation.

crick_sucks
on August 17, 2012, 17:38 GMT

People must understand what Dravid is saying is in the best interest of ICC and NOT BCCI. BCCI has nothing to gain from a IPL window. It just doesn't care if one is provided or not. IPL being a lucrative league does the trick for BCCI. The fact is BCCI asks for a mandatory NOC from respective cricket boards only when provided do they take in the foreign players. So it is not just the players that get the money a part of it is given to the boards(a share of players money) for allowing them to play. People must understand this. IPL is a domestic league and will remain so mainly because it is a cash cow for the BCCI. Talks of banning it will not succeed legally. The fact of the matter is you can't help it. There are a lot of people who don't like T20 and there a lot who love it. So as long as there is interest there is bound to be commercial success and BCCI will cash on it as long as it lasts. The wise thing to do is as Dravid says is to learn to co-exist. Else you will see more of KP/CG

Muhtasim13
on August 17, 2012, 17:28 GMT

giving a window to the the IPL today would be quite unfair to the T20 leagues of the other countries. And since the FTP has been scheduled till 2020, a window for the IPL would require several countries to shift their calendars around quite a lot. Lets keep things as they are now.

on August 17, 2012, 16:46 GMT

Can Dravid do something else for a change. He just retired and already coming up with his expert comments. Give us a break!!

on August 17, 2012, 16:44 GMT

disagree with dravid! ok IPL is a great tournament but if ICC decided to give a break it cannot give preferential treatment to just once countries T20 tournament, if so they should give breaks for other countries .. the only tournament that could be given a break(if at all) in the calendar is the champions league type of tournament (because it is not of a specific country)

on August 17, 2012, 16:04 GMT

Hope ICC listens to a sensible person like Dravid. And also hope that Dravid becomes part of cricket administration. He has always loved the sport and will only do things that benefits the game and its fans.
BTW, i agree with Dravid about having an IPL window. Also IPL could be a little shorter or broken into two parts to be played in March and October to make this happen.

StatisticsRocks
on August 17, 2012, 15:56 GMT

What space....Guys all the t20 leagues already have the space. IPL came and went, BPL came and went and now SLPL ongoing...Whether there is official time allotted by ICC or not these leagues are hapenning. I am a huge fan of test cricket and would love to see t20 disappear altogether including ICC T20 WC . What irks me is the reason why most of non-Indians who comment here are against IPL..coz it was India who turned it into a successfull business and not any other country. I completely agree with Dhushan and shirish_666. The respective boards do not have to send their players to play in IPL and I don't see any reason why there should be a window set aside for any of the t20 leagues.

cricket_lover1
on August 17, 2012, 15:01 GMT

Looking at the articale..It makes sense what Rahul Dravid is trying to say. A window for domstic leagues like IPL should be available. Its a win win situation for everybody. I completely agree with Rahul Dravid.

200ondebut
on August 17, 2012, 14:42 GMT

Very sensible suggestions. If people could put aside their nationalistic rivalry for one moment they would see that for the likes of Sri Lanka and West Indies having a window for the IPL will ensure their best sides are fielded. It would also give the England boys a bit more of a chance. This though is a doubled edged sword because if they are not picked up by one of the sides then the scope for even more jealousy will be there.

Sarfin
on August 17, 2012, 14:17 GMT

IPL might be the best thing in the world but that doesn't mean ICC has to create a window for it. IPL allows a certain number of international player for each team implying it is a DOMESTIC tournament. And an INTERNATIONAL body should NEVER create a window for a domestic league. If you create a window for IPL so you have to do the same for BBL, BPL, SLPL to maintain your credentials. These leagues also provides money making opportunity for a good number of players (though IPL is the most successful one by far). I got Dravid's point but sorry to say those are not quite convincing. Yet I am a big fan of him

panchneh
on August 17, 2012, 14:10 GMT

I dont agree with people sayin IPL is waste of time or it is helping the cricket world...IPL is the grand stage for all Internatonal players and Indian Local players to show their talent! why people keep forgetting that there was a time when players were going for county cricket where they can improve their game. there had been so many tries by ICC to allow all international players to play in one team but all in vain but IPL is pretty much successful in this matter....and we can see the result as so many other asian countries have started playing premier leagues...jealousy cant stand for more time where talent is focused

ProdigyA
on August 17, 2012, 13:31 GMT

@streetblader - You might want to read the entire article before calling Dravid names and make a fool of urself. He clearly calls for the best XI representing their country in Tests along with the best talent available for IPL.

din7
on August 17, 2012, 12:31 GMT

Happy there are some my intelligent indian collegues left like shirish666 and dhushan. I still don't know who watches IPL. Its nothing more than WWE where much of things are fixed like CSK reachin finals, every1 could predict it..there are 100s of fixing cases in IPL. Doesn't matter IPL stays or not ...who cares but there certainly no window required for IPL. Im disappointed my fav Dravid has said this. there are still pontings and clarkes except indians left who won't skip country for any league. If some like KP want to leave, they can....irespective of how much i love him to watch. It will show true colours of players. Most of top boards like bcci, ECB or CA pay there cricketers well. Its understandable if NZ, WI etc. players go for ipl cause there respective boards don't have enough money to pay them well...if any other players want to go..let them go...test cricket will remain unaffected....dosn't matter what some foolish people say!

on August 17, 2012, 11:53 GMT

Just because you decided to call quits on Test Cricket Mr. Dravid, doesn't mean everyone else has too.

crazy.mechanic
on August 17, 2012, 11:19 GMT

Well it seems many people in here are short sighted and their perception of the article is fairly bad. Look Dravid wants the window for the IPL....that means in that particular window only , other leagues will be played. It is upto the player to decide as to which league he wants to represent and by the money and various other factors most players will play in the IPL. Getting a window is a great solution to current crisis in cricket. With the window being there, all the other small leagues will automatically shut!

on August 17, 2012, 11:09 GMT

IPL is the highest paid league in cricket and also being watched by whole world. . its not the same in case of other leagues, we can see the empty stands in the current SLPL.. its not about favoring IPL its all about saving cricket.. I personally also don't support T20 format bcos it kills the talent, but now news are coming from cricketing world that top players leaving national teams just bcos the schedule conflicts with the IPL or any other leagues. we cant make players to play against their will so if there is a solution ICC should think about it.. and If any other league touches the levels of IPL in terms of money and viewership they can also think for a separate window. I also agree with the thing discussed that IPL timetable should be reduced to 1 month or even more...

vish57
on August 17, 2012, 10:27 GMT

No professional cricketer with name and fame will skip big money playing few T20 games for 45 days; by default like SL,SA all teams will ensure there is not cricket played during IPL window, it is a matter of time; other T20 tournaments such as Big Bash, SA T20 or BPL/SLPL have no big money; I still remember people calling ODIs as Pyjama cricket etc when it was played. T20 only will stay and can become a Olympic Sport like football. England being England will be the last to join such bandwagon as they still feel that they were ruling all cricket playing nations 100 years back with out accepting the reality. Let us have two 2 months window for any nation to host their league attracting all players, like EPL, Spanish foolball league co exist, IPL, Bigbash etc can co exist.

on August 17, 2012, 9:54 GMT

@Narbavi " ICC has to give window for evry league" . And thats to be fair the right way. If you give space for 1 league then you have to for everyone. Its no issue that how big is ipl or not. So it would be "STUPID" to give space to ipl even.

gracegift
on August 17, 2012, 9:10 GMT

If we do create a window for 2 months, then get clubs from every country to play in 1 big T20 tournament at that time. Have it in Asia 1 year, Australia in another, England and WI in the next, Africa and so on.. No need to have any tests during this period. Or play the preliminary rounds in your home countries and meet during the final stages at the said venues. It makes a national tournament, International. More sponsors too, i suppose.

shrish_666
on August 17, 2012, 9:07 GMT

despite being an indian i want ipl to end forever.. ipl is ruining indian test cricket n its already showing..so dravid please dont pretend to care for test cricket...

Dhushan
on August 17, 2012, 8:45 GMT

So why does the ICC have to give only 1 domestic T20 tournament (IPL) a window? Dravid is obviously saying this because he's from India. So then what's stopping other domestic leagues from asking for a window? Then again, BCCI is ICC so I'm sure this will happen shortly.
I agree the best players have to play test cricket but if those individuals prefer money over representing their nation, then so be it. Indians don't have a problem because they're already spoiled being highly paid & have no risk of being in a dilemma of country over money.

streetblader
on August 17, 2012, 8:41 GMT

ofd course, the only option left for the boring and hypocrite dravid is the IPL, so why not vouch for it..

on August 17, 2012, 8:13 GMT

i am reading certain comments which are baseless and are written without understanding the article. people have just picked up couple of lines from the article and have started bashing rahul dravid for no reason... IPL needs separate window is written with an intention of safeguarding test matches and put all the top players in the test side... moreover IPL is offering huge money which players are not able to ignore....it nowhere undermines BPL, SLPL, BBL etc.... one should understand that Test Cricket is the real form of cricket and the contest between bat& ball is best seen in test matches.... T20 is just a source of entertainment ....separate window for IPL (even if tournament has to be reduced to 1 month) will allow all the big stars to play both formats and manage things .... even sachin tendulkar prefers IPL over other national duties.....so we need to understand the gravity of situation rather than playing blame game....

on August 17, 2012, 7:59 GMT

The comment by Rahul is not indicating that he is favouring IPL, the point is every big names in the Cricket world is attracted by this lucrative league, who doesn't want money? its natural. But if one stop playing for his own country especially some good players like KP and CG its not good for cricket. its also not good for Test cricket future. if junior level team playing test cricket who will watch it. so to stop all this ICC can think about allocating a window for IPL..

on August 17, 2012, 7:51 GMT

The purpose of leagues such as BBL, BPL, IPL and SLPL are not to compete with one another, but to help popularise Cricket in it's respective countries. IPL has helped India greatly and Cricketing boards from other nations are seeking to do the same thing with their respective leagues. Furthermore, since it's inception IPL had to face many hurdles and continues to do so, with spot fixing controversy, salary issues etc. Other leagues will have to go through their own struggle but the benefits will out-way the negatives. Personally, I think it's a good sign for the game that so many leagues are being created in different countries, where Cricket is thriving, not just surviving.

vaidyar
on August 17, 2012, 7:42 GMT

Let's blame global warming for this! :) Historically England season used to start by June or late May. All of a sudden they moved it to late April as things were getting warmer and play was possible. This meant they started sneaking in 2 test series, one against a weaker team like WI or SL or NZ and then the marquee one like the one against Ind last year, SA now and Aus next year. This is so that they can complete the tests by Aug and get on with a 7 ODI series or sneak in a 5 ODI series like they did this year. And I believe they have the county T20 season to follow after that? Maybe they can think of moving the ODIs against the first team or the invited ones earlier and keep the tests together! This way there won't be any need for IPL windows as such and we can have full test series back to back in England. Who watches ODIs anyway? Also, maybe time for teams to demarcate their test seasons so that windows are created for every T20 league.

sramesh_74
on August 17, 2012, 7:41 GMT

@RyanHarrisGreatCricketer - this cerebral cricket legend is not clamoring for a window for the IPL. His actual objective is to keep the interest alive in Test cricket.

ste13
on August 17, 2012, 7:34 GMT

I do not agree with Dravid. Let's players decide. If they want to play IPL, it's their right. Even if test cricket is to become a niche sport (it has been a niche sport anyway for the last 10 years), I am against IPL window. Such move will not protect test cricket.
Nothing can protect test cricket. This format can never be global, while 20/20 version can. Let test cricket evolve as a purist game with much less focus. it will still retain their followers - I think it will always be quite a number of people interested in it.
20/20 will fade away. With India becoming a truly global power, young people will take up other sports than cricket which will shift the public interest. Look at London Olympics - Team India performance was the best in history and it is more to come.

on August 17, 2012, 7:31 GMT

It depends upon player whether to play in IPL or not. Giving special window for IPL doesn't make sense because it will be injustice to other countries premiere league

VivtheGreatest
on August 17, 2012, 7:27 GMT

Spot on analysis of the situation from one of the greatest players ever. We have to ensure that all the world class players are available for all forms of the international game especially Tests. The IPL is here to stay so an urgent solution has to be found out

gothetaniwha
on August 17, 2012, 7:25 GMT

Sorry Rahul no window for IPL , only 4 international players per team a couple of Indian International players per team and the rest are of the indian players are rubbish , unless more international players are playing forget it

on August 17, 2012, 7:12 GMT

IPL has not only raised the profile of Cricket in India but it has also helped them gain financial security and helped provide experience to local players. No wonder, Cricketing boards from other nations are organizing such leagues to help do the same thing for them as well. And why wouldn't they, when you consider the numerous benefits. So, it's not exactly fair for one country to have exclusive rights. BPL, BBL and the recent SLPL will help their respective nations in the long term and instead of bashing such leagues, as fans of Cricket, we should be proud that the game is growing everywhere.

on August 17, 2012, 7:01 GMT

@fasttrack. Haha, frustrated much!! BPL was a great success, but it did encounter some problems, which even the IPL had faced initially and continues do so. Also, the purpose of BPL is not to compete with any league, but provide experience to local players, help grow the profile of Cricket in Bangladesh and secure financial benefits. The league is just starting but in few years time, it will have it's own strong audience and it will provide numerous benefits to BD cricket. As an Indian, you should not berate others because, we should support strong growth of Cricket everywhere, not just in one particular nation. Cheers.

veerakannadiga
on August 17, 2012, 6:55 GMT

whatever the Great Dravid says is Gospel to my ears. When he says something he really means it and not only that,he has the best intentions of all the partys concerned. He is not one to let out loose talks. Even in this article he is just sharing his opinion and not passing any final judgement. What he is saying is that all concerned should sit across the table and arrive at a amicable solution for both the IPL and Test cricket to coexist.

PrasPunter
on August 17, 2012, 6:53 GMT

For a Test Legend like Dravid endorsing a poorer form of the game !! How
times change !! Its all about money and what not !!

love_4_the_game
on August 17, 2012, 6:39 GMT

@Sumzy: can u plz telll me how many international players (marquee players) are playin in ur so mentioned SLPL, BBL,BPL etc etc... in IPL around 110 International players are participating , so it requires a official window. plz don compare BPL, SLPL with IPL. its not even 10% comparable

Jack_Tka
on August 17, 2012, 6:37 GMT

What Dravid said could be summarised as: The best players from different countries would be definitely invited to play in the IPL. IPL will make these players an "Offer", they can't refuse. So boards need to think about it and plan accordingly. Its heart-breaking when a country's top players have been sidelined for IPL reasons. SA is the best example to handle this situation very cleverly.

IndiaNumeroUno
on August 17, 2012, 6:33 GMT

Dravid is correct... but to be honest it is Indian Premier League... only 1.2 billion+ Indians watch it. Doesn't really matter whether anyone else wants to watch it. Don't think BCCI should worry about other boards. If international players want to come, they will sort out their stuff and participate.

venkatesh018
on August 17, 2012, 5:45 GMT

Sane comments from a perfectly sane man. Anybody listening in the ICC or more importantly IN THE ECB?

on August 17, 2012, 5:14 GMT

IPL is an Indian Domestic Tournament played by professional cricketers much like the the English County Cricket that attracts professional cricketers from across the world. An international cricketer is expected to manage his time and availability after giving due credence to his National Team duties. It is an other story that IPL means big bucks but big bucks doesn't mean - it is a legitimate ground for creating a 'window' in the cricket calendar. In fact, the best way to go about is for the BCCI to wind up the tournament in four weeks. Fans needs stars and boards needs stars to rake in the 'moolah', Stars however, need to be managed. As for Pietersen he has vitiated the decency of team unity and strategies and traded with the 'enemy'. What Pietersen did (sending the text messages) is akin to spot-fixing and match-fixing and the ECB is fully justified in dropping him!

on August 17, 2012, 5:13 GMT

I am surprised this coming from Dravid. Very short term vision based on the assumption that IPL is here forever. Current Market forces are driving IPL to be lucrative. What if India's economy stalls in the next few years (like US, who could have imagined that would happen?) and advertisers dont show up (like King fisher wont show up next year for sure), and there is no money easily available to players, will they want to play IPL instead of Tests?

Let players make their choices (CG made the choice and did not play for WI), let boards make their choices too (WI played cricket without CG and went down the drain). CG playing or not playing for WI does not affect people watching the matches in WI (against NZ, all stands were empty, in all probability, more people in india watched those matches). So if KP wants to play IPL instead of Tests, let him. He should not be allowed to eat his cake and have it too. Isn't that all we mortal do in our humble life?

on August 17, 2012, 5:11 GMT

A separate window for the IPL would be fantastic but the real concern here is,if a window is provided for the IPL,how will it affect the other T20 leagues in the world?Almost every country now has it's own T20 league,granting a window for the IPL and not for the other leagues would be a little harsh.There lies the real problem for the ICC.

Narbavi
on August 17, 2012, 5:07 GMT

@sunny shah: Shame on you calling the great man a hypocrite!! how could you?? do you even realize that times have changed a bit? Do you even realize that t20 is also a part of the game now and people love playing in the ipl more than any other league in the world??

Narbavi
on August 17, 2012, 5:06 GMT

@Farhan Pervez: you are the one who is sounding stupid really!! why can't some of you just accept the fact that even though you have many leagues, nothing comes even close to the ipl!!

Fast_Track_Bully
on August 17, 2012, 5:00 GMT

BPL and SLPL were flop financially and viewership basis. Only somePAK players are interested in it. I donot know how many players from BD and SL will play next years own PL as it is not beneficiary for them.

mathewjohn2176
on August 17, 2012, 4:48 GMT

Posted by AlexPalmer90 on (August 16 2012, 21:17 PM GMT), Best cricketer by international standards.period.

on August 17, 2012, 4:36 GMT

The window may be provided only if the IPL is shortened and limited to less than a month. Giving a window for IPL for 2 months is ridicolous. Apart from that only 40 50 foreign players play the IPL matches, so what about the rest who are not part of the IPL?

m.venk
on August 17, 2012, 4:30 GMT

Guess if we have to make window for all the premier leagues across the world then better idea would be to not make this an every year event. Once in two years is more than enough to manage all aspects of the sport.

on August 17, 2012, 4:28 GMT

The same is 4 me as a fan. I cant watch cricket especially Test Cricket Without My Rahul Dravid :')

shantiratnamaj
on August 17, 2012, 4:17 GMT

I agree with Dravid! When you permit cricket to go the money route so much as you see, its unfair to expect cricketers and their wishes not change. If you look at how BCCI has made circket a money making machine supported by ICC why would it surprise palyers pushing to play more of the profitable cream of cricket? I know its always country before self but it should apply not just for crickets it should apply for cricket board and cricket governing bodies. rules are bent and issues are not voted at ICC board meetings due to funny reasons backed by money so what's the big deal about KP looking to play full IPL whilst playing maximum possible for England?

the_blue_android
on August 17, 2012, 4:17 GMT

@ RyanHarrisGreatCricketer - He IS the most cerebral Indian cricketer. That is exactly the reason why he understands the reality of the situation unlike some other people. Just because you think it's hit-and-giggle does not make it irrelevant. And whatever is important to you does not make it important for everyone else.

Dravid_Pujara_Gravitas
on August 17, 2012, 4:07 GMT

Guys, before we bash Dravid, let us understand what he is saying - he is saying IPL is here to stay. So, he is proposing some 'tweaking' - either cut the lenght of the tournament or provide a window - a compromise - the trait of a perfect, cerebral diplomat. Next complaint of people - if IPL has a window then other leagues should also have a window. That's being very childish. If the other leagues grow to be as big as IPL, then certainly we will need some kind of compromise again. Life is changing folks. If a traditionalist like Dravid can see it, why not us? To see the obvious, you just have to be smart and diplomatic enough to compromise and accomodate. Dravid proved that he is no traditionalist dinosaur unlike some cricket boards and cricketers. He is progressive and inclusive. Take a bow my Legend! Dravid FTW! Miss you Dravid annaiah! :-(

CRIC_or_CRIC
on August 17, 2012, 3:50 GMT

Sometimes the Governing bodies for Cricket in certain countries forget the fact they Exist because of cricketers.... Why is Indian cricket board so powerful. Its Because they have the best players in cricket..

YS_USA
on August 17, 2012, 3:23 GMT

SLPL does not need a window because no players have expressed any intent to play for SLPL and not for their country. You need a window only if players would like to play for a league instead of their country which has been happening with only IPL. Even Pakistani players are going to leave SLPL early to play Australia and then again, SLPL and other leagues are not paying that much, so there would not be any conflict to play for other leagues except the IPL.

satish619chandar
on August 17, 2012, 3:22 GMT

I think it is inevitable that players will ask for IPL window as they don't want to miss out chance to earn easy money(comparatively).. If boards realyl feel they need to schedule matches in IPL season, they need to have some sort s of control over the players and make sure they have their players on their side.. Another Gayle/KP should be avoided at any cost.. Either the player remains loyal to his board or the board plays one series without the player.. Controversies are just lame and tired..

Kricket_
on August 17, 2012, 2:58 GMT

Yes! It is true that IPL got the money.. world cricket is running with India's cricket revenue. However, that doesn't mean that only reach will survive in the world, all other should go and die.. SLPL, BB, BPL all will be super famous to there extend. Those Indian's are writing they are not famous as there are no Indian player. I never see IPL is I dont have my favorite player.

RyanHarrisGreatCricketer
on August 17, 2012, 2:51 GMT

disappointed to see the most cerbral indian legend clamouring for a window for a hit-and-giggle tourney

Sumzy
on August 17, 2012, 2:35 GMT

What if the guys from SLPL, BPL and BBL all requests for a window. We will have everyone playing Domestic T20 leagues but not competitive international cricket.

SanSL5
on August 17, 2012, 1:56 GMT

never thought this would come from a great like Dravid. if you create a window for IPL you have to create windows for all other domestic leagues such as BBL, BPL, SLPL etc. though they're not in the same magnitude as IPL, it would be unfair to the other nations if ICC creates a window for IPL. so it is not an option. even without IPL SL cricketers used to be very rich compared to the general income levels of the people. they should stop being so greedy for money and play real cricket.

vrn59
on August 17, 2012, 1:55 GMT

The IPL should be shortened!

Gizza
on August 17, 2012, 1:36 GMT

The only way the IPL can get a window is if it becomes an International Premier League instead of just Indian. Then it is fair. Maybe still keep an Indian quota just for the money (television revenue) but the second rate players have to go. So maybe increase the non-Indians to 6 or 7 per team in a match instead of 4 right now. Maybe even 8. The standard of the league will also improve obviously. And it can be hosted beyond Indian and South Africa to other countries occasionally as well.

StatisticsRocks
on August 17, 2012, 1:19 GMT

@Ahmed Hussain @salman:thats coz no other PL is as popular among international players as IPL. I know its hard 4 u to digest but it is a fact. Did u even see the ongoing SLPL..People from SL dont care abt it as the stadiums are empty. IPL will thrive even w/o participation of intl players. Its not new to see our friends from up North being jealous of IPL as none of the PAK players represent any IPL franchise. PAK cricketers themselves hv acknowledged how much they r missing out (financially) by not playing in IPL. Check out Ramiz Raja Lounge. The respective boards can always say no to participate in IPL just like BCCI says no to Indian players participating in all the other PL's. IPL is India's tournament and will remain so. Dont get mad coz THe Great Wall is supporting it. Off course he is an Indian and played for India in all forms of the game. But he is true supporter of test matches.

CandidIndian
on August 17, 2012, 1:16 GMT

Well surprised to read that especially when it comes from Dravid who had test cricket at his top priority throughout his career.Not many young Indian players are taking test matches seriously as you dont get even one tenth the money while playing test cricket as you get by playing IPL,apart from that you get endorsements, fame and idolizers.While from playing Test cricket you get handful of critics and fans lot of pain out of extreme efforts and tough competition,but what you get here mainly is respect but not many Indian fans and cricketers think like that these days. Success of IPL is inversely proportional to success of test cricket in India.Have we learned anything from two whitewashes recently or we will be blind folded as some Indian media channels who were bragging whole day that Gambhir can be a great test captain as he won IPL for KKR.What a joke.

only_sehwag
on August 17, 2012, 1:11 GMT

People who are basing IPL need to understand one thing. Petersen, Gayle, Malinga are not quitting IPL to play tests/one-dayers . They are leaving international cricket to play in IPL. So IPL does not need any window or favors. It is fine where it is - international cricket needs a window. The best cricketers will play in IPL anyway.

on August 17, 2012, 1:00 GMT

IPL has not only raised the profile of Cricket in India but it has also helped them gain financial security and helped provide experience to local players. No wonder, Cricketing boards from other nations are organizing such leagues to help do the same thing for them as well. And why couldn't they, when you consider the numerous benefits. So, it's not exactly fair for one country to have exclusive rights. BPL, BBL and the recent SLPL will help their respective nations and instead of bashing such leagues, as fans of Cricket, we should be proud that the game is growing everywhere.

cricketfannik
on August 17, 2012, 0:38 GMT

if there will b window 4IPL then what about other leagues they should have windows too. I seriously believe if IPL has given benefits but it has various big time disadvantages as well. Players prefer money over country like NZ players wil do next yr rather than improving their skills and playing against ENG in ENG. so shameful these money reasons are. if these players are ask to leave your familywho made them and play all over the world without going home would they do no. then why leaving your country man because ofwhich they are there. NZ team should not incl those players who will be playing IPL and leaving test cricket next yr splcy againt testing eng and @ lords. KP should first full fill its team's requirement rather than IPL althou iam indian still saying this IPL has damaged test crick as player chose same shorts and fail to make a mark. no one will break sachin's record coz no one has patience to play test crickt. y boards r giving NOC to such players to chose ipl over counrt

bobagorof
on August 17, 2012, 0:36 GMT

keeriket: Really? The ONLY reason you have to watch cricket is to see Gayle? With all the close fought contests, drama, big hits, tactics, fast bowling, sublime shots... you only want to see ONE player? When he retires, are you going to stop watching entirely? ...Please?

on August 17, 2012, 0:06 GMT

I would Also like to ask BCCI & Mr Dravid what about International players who are not interested in playing 'cricket' in the Ipl? What about those who cant get IPl contracts like the Pakistani's ? what will they do during this 2 month window ? Also would Indian fans & BCCI be open to giving up half its home season of International cricket just so Kohli, Sachin Sehwag Yadav , Dravid etc could go & play a domestic league in the West Indies /South Africa/ England / Australia for filthy lucre? I strongly doubt it. They dont even want them playing in other leagues whether India is playing a series or not . It is a travesty to demand from another what 1 wont be prepared to give !!

Shajadul
on August 16, 2012, 23:53 GMT

Not a good idea to have a window for a domestic league....
IPL should be brought down to 4 weeks max...

heartbreakerz
on August 16, 2012, 23:51 GMT

if ipl gets a window then they should increase the number of foreign players in a team to atleast 6 bcoz aftr getting the window ipl wont remain a domestic tournament...to make ipl more appealing and popular in other countries we will need more international stars rather than some unknown and 2nd grade indian domestic cricketers

on August 16, 2012, 23:42 GMT

Very difficult to leave out your own country and league being played there. Other IPL players, if asked, would say same thing as said by Dravid. If ICC were to creat a window for all leagues, then there will be no time for test cricket.

SanjivAwesome
on August 16, 2012, 23:20 GMT

I agree with Dravid's very sensible suggestion. It is a new world. And some of the things that have been in place for a century might need to be tweeked a bit. As a fan of cricket, and an affectionate follower of Tests, I want to see the game continue strongly into the future. Cricket players are professionals who need to earn a good living for their families too.

Dashgar
on August 16, 2012, 23:14 GMT

And what about when the BBL, SLPL, BPL etc gain popularity? Windows for all of them. Dravid is Indian so has an India-centric view. If IPL was to have a window it would need to drop the restrictions on international players and include some games played overseas to be a truly international tournament. Players need to make some steps to protect Test cricket themselves. I'm sure Dravid would never choose IPL over Test matches. He should come out and say that.

AndyZaltzmannsHair
on August 16, 2012, 23:14 GMT

The pink elephant in the room that many ignore when comparing IPL to other sports where domestic leagues dominate is that in those sports the leagues are comparable in standard to their respective international teams. The IPL isn't, that's a clear fact for all to see these days. The IPL also needs international teams to feed the league the star players, because a) the IPL doesn't by and large produce the stars and b) isn't capable of keeping cricket alive on its own, as much as some believe this. The compromise is that the IPL to get a window and become larger than it is, (and reverse declining viewership), is to condense the tournament to no more than a month, and become even more international by increasing foreign player quotas to at least 6 per team and thereby increasing quality. It is going to have to follow European football leagues in becoming more open and attractive to world audiences not just domestic. Maybe in the future it will morph to become an International Premier Leag

on August 16, 2012, 22:57 GMT

lmao window for ipl? joke of the year

heartbreakerz
on August 16, 2012, 22:40 GMT

ideally there shoudn't b any window for a domestic league...but it seems that it has become a necessary evil....ipl is too long and it needs to be brought down to a max of 4 weeks...and then the icc can leave a 4 week window but not only for ipl it should be available for all leagues...IMO every year a 4-week window can be left...and in that period all leagues should be played simultaneously and we can leave it upon the players to decide where they want to play i.e.(for the highest bidding team)...like it happens in the european soccer leagues

on August 16, 2012, 22:17 GMT

A domestic competition like IPL is for domestic players and fans, yes international players add a flavour, but it is for monetary gains not for betterment of the game. Test cricket has more long term effect and T20 is a very short term. So you cannot compare them and its effect on the game. T20 is a commercial entity.

Yet again Dravid I agree with everything you say. I really dislike the IPL but it is here to stay and we are just going to have to accept it. From an English perspective I think the tournament needs to be shorter and played every two years. I think players from all nations should play it and it should be the pinnacle of T20 cricket. If all the stellar names play in the IPL and also represent their country then I have no problem with it. I think Dravid raises a great point and I really hope the ICC do not attempt in vain to ignore it.

keeriket
on August 16, 2012, 22:00 GMT

The only reason I was watching England batting was to enjoy KP batting, now thats sgone! My reason to watch cricket is only Gayle now!! SO, I need IPL!

JBerger
on August 16, 2012, 21:58 GMT

Why only IPL window, what about all other Premier Leagues? I do not expect a player of Dravid's caliber to be bias to IPL just because of his kinship.

on August 16, 2012, 21:44 GMT

Mr Dravid stop being an Hippocrate. One side ipl is destroying cricket and on other hand you wants to protect both. there are only 2 solutions. 1 is to finish international cricket and start cricket on domestic on theme of Football. 2nd is to ban all these leagues to protect international cricket

Sunil_Canada
on August 16, 2012, 21:35 GMT

Continued from my previous comment ... I love test that's the period I grew up when there was only test matches. But with time we need to change. In today's busy world who has time which is proved by the fact that in T20 there are many more people to watch than in tests. I live in Canada and I find it hard to explain when they ask how can you play a same match for 5 days and still you have a draw. I would be sad but in a few decade test matches may face natural death.

maddinson
on August 16, 2012, 21:31 GMT

IPL is a domestic tournament, if ICC creates window for IPL than other countries will also ask for it. Simply IPL is too long, 2 month of T20 cricket is too much but wait Dravid also plays IPL. Will someone ask Dravid wasn't IPL responsible for his 7 bowled in 6 innings against Australia which eventually made him to retire?

Sunil_Canada
on August 16, 2012, 21:30 GMT

Guys, wake up, instead of crying. Look at soccer (European league), NBA (basketball league in USA & Toronto), NHL (North America), NFL (American Football Leage), American League. Able players from all over the world pay in these leagues. All run for almost 9 months in a year and during this time usually no country matches are held and even if they are held, players prefer to play for club. In cricket country games were more important because there was no famous league. Such leagues are played whereever there are more fans and more money. If you play basketball in India noone will come while in US they are full. So IPL is not for India only, it's becoming a recognized league like in other sports and there has to be window for it and 2 month is not long. If the players have talent and people want to play, let them make money. Playing for WW, Gayle would not earn as much in his life as he would earn in a year in IPL. Dont be jealous, support it. Dont say T20 is bad and test is good.

K.H.Dushmantha
on August 16, 2012, 21:26 GMT

Keep spare window for SLPL, BBL,BPL,PPL,NZPL,EPL,SAPL,WIPL,ZPL & KPL for better long term concern cricket in the whole world.

team666
on August 16, 2012, 21:26 GMT

More than anything, test cricket has to reinvent itself.

The format doesnt need to change, 5 days, same rules... stick to that. But have one tournament under which all test matches will be played.
Each team would play the other in atleast 2 test matches, home and away for points system. It was tired on before but the points were not assigned effectively. that can change and make the tournament more interesting.

AlexPalmer90
on August 16, 2012, 21:17 GMT

@Hellboy. Best Cricketer by Indian standard, not world Cricket :)

on August 16, 2012, 21:05 GMT

Dravid's support to IPL is indeed a revelation. That said there is evidence of sour grapes evident from some of the comments here. I think things ought to stay the way they are, the English county season needs to be bettered as ECB is trying to do with the survey. Those who want to play can IPL can play and others are free to play tests. It is a free country.

Zahidsaltin
on August 16, 2012, 20:59 GMT

Window for IPL? then of course a window for SLPL, one for BPL, one for PPL and why not one for big bash. Or it the money which decides here. The more money on offer the better the chances of a window. Shame that it comes from Dravid.

gandabhai
on August 16, 2012, 20:48 GMT

Yes i too would love to see the talented Pakistani cricketers playing in the IPL as would most people around the world because they are great to watch . But please remember that the host country was maimed by by people from their land. what do you expect ? ? ?

on August 16, 2012, 20:29 GMT

how is it fair that IPL should get a window but not SLPL, BPL, County Cricket, Big Bash doesnt?? how is IPL different to any of the other leagues??? just coz they have a lot of money doesnt mean they get a damn window??? clear two months of international cricket calendar to make way for a domestic tournament?? NO WAY!!

Cpt.Meanster
on August 16, 2012, 20:17 GMT

@Farial Alam: Hmm.... interesting post my friend. Coming to think about it, it perfectly makes sense. The IPL, BPL, and SLPL are all ASIAN leagues with similar climatic conditions. This is definitely possible. The IPL still gets its international stars, the other leagues get their sign ups as well. Those players who fail to secure an IPL contract can still go and play in any of the other tournaments. Besides, those players who play in the IPL are not necessarily the world's best T20 players either. So in every way your proposal sounds meaningful to me. A 4 week window for every T20 league in the world simultaneously- it gets my thumbs up !

on August 16, 2012, 20:12 GMT

stupid thinking.. he wants icc to give atleast 8 weeks window (IPL=11 weeks)... then BigBash, English county, SLPL & BPL will also ask for such windows .. as a result there will no TEST cricket and only leaues

Hattrick_Capes
on August 16, 2012, 20:11 GMT

One month, eight games per team and the league travels around the world. Then you're talking.

nlambda
on August 16, 2012, 20:05 GMT

@Salman Zahidi: India finances world Cricket. You are equating BBL, SLPL, and future PPL (!) to the IPL. The reality is no other "PL" will be as successful as the IPL, and people like you are dreaming if they think otherwise.

MartinAmber
on August 16, 2012, 19:48 GMT

Sensible cricketer talks sense. I'd only pick him up on one thing - the English season has not "traditionally been the same for many years", at least not for Tests. We didn't start playing Tests in May until 2000, and not as early in May as we do now until Sky took over in 2006. So, traditionally, there is no reason why IPL should clash with our Test summer. In whose interests is it, I wonder, to pretend that it's IPL's fault we have a clash? Could it be the same people who are so inflexible about contracts and who make us play pointless ODI series in mid-summer?

phendel
on August 16, 2012, 19:43 GMT

if the IPL was cut down to less matches....there may hav been a case for a window.....but 11 weeks is way too much to even consider an IPL window.....& wht happens if BBL starts to generate more money thn IPL in the future??....do we give both BBL & IPL a window now

adis26
on August 16, 2012, 19:37 GMT

@Salman Zahidi - It is because IPL is by far the biggest franchise based T20 format the game offers. Last time I heard, the brand value was over $4 billion. Dravid is Indian but among the wisest men the game has to offer. Even he is suggesting the give and take bit of it and only underlining the problem we all know of and recommending possible solutions. I agree that 8 weeks is too long for the tournament and that it could certainly be cut down. However, it is good for the game - for it popularit and globalization if you will.

wibblewibble
on August 16, 2012, 19:37 GMT

I absolutely 100% agree with Rahul Dravid on this one. There must be a window for IPL created. Only thing is, it also must be outside of England's regular season. It is simply unreasonable to expect England to remove a chunk of their season for an overseas tournament, as this country is heavily constrained by the weather. I would propose moving IPL to September-October, where the weather is perfectly fine for cricket in India (I believe there was the ODI series last year then), the first class season is virtually over in the UK and Caribbean and not started in the Antipodes.

shillingsworth
on August 16, 2012, 19:36 GMT

@cricket-lover1969 - You are putting words into Dravid's mouth. He did not say that the ECB 'want to be something they clearly aren't', nor that 'KP is vital etc etc'. The first statement is nonsense, the second is hyperbole. By contrast, Dravid always displays admirable common sense and is never guilty of exaggeration.

KTiwari
on August 16, 2012, 19:32 GMT

To some of you, who comment about window for other leagues as well. Get real IPL and other leagues are not at the same level. You will not find any player quarrling their board for SLPL,BPL or Big Bash.

on August 16, 2012, 19:32 GMT

This is a fact that in years to come there would be more n more money making leagues from cricket boards around the world. So then to be fair icc has to give a window for each one. Now that sounds stupid. Isnt it Mr. Dravid?

PrasPunter
on August 16, 2012, 19:27 GMT

not surprising as Dravid is a player from the land of IPL so obvious that he
is supportive !!

Desihungama
on August 16, 2012, 19:24 GMT

And why cannot you shorten the season and play mostly meaningful games? Take a month, have it played in a window. There cannot be a better and fair compromise than this.

woodhaven
on August 16, 2012, 19:24 GMT

Because of ipl we see true color of players. First nz players, now pietersen. Money talks

Cpt.Meanster
on August 16, 2012, 19:24 GMT

@Salman Zahidi: I understand where you are coming from. But think about it friend, the IPL is the BIGGEST T20 league simply cause of the amount of money, glamour and glitz associated with it. No other league can even come close in that regard. Sure you have the BPL, SLPL, BBL etc but their scope is not like the IPL. India as a nation provides the highest revenue, audience, interest etc when it comes to any form of one day cricket, more so when the event happens to be T20. I hope you understand that. So although the other leagues can demand for a separate window, the most likeliest league to get it IF it gets it would be the IPL mainly due to reasons I stated above.

on August 16, 2012, 19:19 GMT

If a window is so rightfully required, a proposed window can be created once a year only for all t20 leagues round the world. Why prioritize only ipl?

ooper_cut
on August 16, 2012, 19:04 GMT

I believe every word of what Dravid speaks, it is very very true that test cricket has been the loser here because of this BIG episode of ECB wanting to be something that they clearly aren't. KP was and is vital to any little success that England can hope to get in the near future and I believe they should follow the WICB way in accepting him and not humiliating him further.

kirankerai
on August 16, 2012, 18:51 GMT

i liked dravid but this should never happen as one domestic league is not higher than the pride of nations.

on August 16, 2012, 18:43 GMT

Dont know whether creating a separate window for the IPL is a solution.A few other member countries might demand the same in the future (BPL,SLPL,Big Bash) which is only going to worsen the situation.

Asadpk
on August 16, 2012, 18:37 GMT

Dravid, with due respect the IPL and even the Champions League are a reality and every players wants to play in them. But the IPL runs for 8 weeks and Champions League for 3 weeks, which is 11 weeks or 20% of the year. Now you can't create a window for 11 weeks, no way, may be 4 to 6 weeks in total but not 11 weeks. Therefore the ICC, BCCI and IPL franchises need to sit together and iron out a way forward.

Hellboy82
on August 16, 2012, 18:34 GMT

The best cricketer ever, Period..

JerryV
on August 16, 2012, 18:33 GMT

The solution is simple. Except for the World cup every 4 years, end all ODIs. They have neither the depth of Tests nor the flash of T20.

There will then be plenty of time for an IPL window.

on August 16, 2012, 18:27 GMT

Why IPL only ? why not SLPL,BPL or Big bash etc and later why not PPL etc ? Oh I see, its an Indian presenting his 'indian' views.

hhillbumper
on August 16, 2012, 18:22 GMT

why don't we just give the IPL the whole game and see what the BCCI does with it.

on August 16, 2012, 18:17 GMT

As Mr.Dravid has correctly hinted out, players from different countries have expressed their willingness to play in the IPL. IPL is a model that attracts players (in particular) and spectators for various reasons and hence, this model of T20 cricket needs to be patronized and grown further. Thus, it seems logical that the ICC grants a separate window for the IPL in the calendar. Also, on its part, the IPL governing council should re-work the IPL structure to shorten its duration.

Duration of IPL seems to be an issue for the ICC to permit a separate window for IPL. So, it seems logical

vroom84
on August 16, 2012, 18:14 GMT

As always, perfectly said by the great man !!
But doesn't quite matter this time, beacuse "no Dravid = no cricket". Be it tests, odis, t20s or IPL.

on August 16, 2012, 18:09 GMT

hahahaha...Dravid made me laugh by saying IPL is an important tournament yes important for Indians same with the other T20 leagues and definitely no window for IPL because not only it disrupts International Cricket but the other T20 leagues will probably ask for one besides, the ICC refused to allow that to happen anyway. The problem with the IPL is that its too long and instead of 6 weeks, should be about 4 weeks so there wouldn't be such problems. Quite frankly, real Cricket fans like me are quite tired of these domestic T20 matches even sometimes International T20 matches as too much emphasis is put into them and therefore boring. I just want to see more International/Domestic ODI/Test matches happening more as compared to T20s if you know what I mean. I understand players need to make bucks but common, 1 full IPL is enough to cover on average 5 lifetimes.

on August 16, 2012, 18:09 GMT

yes dravid is the best person to know whats test cricket all about. ECB should resolvle this problem and should not losr player like KP.

avmd
on August 16, 2012, 18:05 GMT

You too Dravid---- !, at end of the day, you ARE an Indian. Country comes first for you, cricket second or later. So far, all evidence showing IPL is not good for test cricket, but you came out with a strange thoery. You're still a man to respect for me, you were a great cricketer and a gentleman.Wish you all the hapiness and a great post-cricket life.

on August 16, 2012, 18:04 GMT

If people want to see big names in the IPL and if they are not available due to National commitment then those players could play at a different time in a different league like BBL,BPL, and SLPL. This can easily work while saving from the headaches caused by the controversies and would give equal chance too other leagues to prosper like IPL.

Dilbar786
on August 16, 2012, 18:00 GMT

How abt window for big bash.bpl.slpl.friend t20....

on August 16, 2012, 18:00 GMT

U got that right Dravid.... Test is very important

Match_Referee
on August 16, 2012, 17:58 GMT

Not making any sense...Mr. Dravid. You are saying that all 10 cricketing boards (Test playing) have to adjust their schedules for club cricket (IPL). If a player feels that playing for country is ultimate, he will leave IPL when there is clash between the two. Thats all... Very easy for retired players like to you to speak like this...

on August 16, 2012, 17:55 GMT

As always Dravid comes up with solution without any ego. May be because he loves cricket so much and can sacrifice anything for it. The big question is that does the ECB and BCCI love cricket too ?

Giridhar.
on August 16, 2012, 17:54 GMT

You have a point. But what if all countries start asking for window for their T20 league. That too IPL runs for 2 months.

tinkertinker
on August 16, 2012, 17:45 GMT

err so what about the many international players not lucky enough to get an ipl contract?

Or the test countries that don't get a split of the ipl pie?

They have to take 6 weeks off their jobs and get nothing financially in return?

Sounds like a great deal for the ipl and the superstar test players and awful for the rest.

getsetgopk
on August 16, 2012, 17:44 GMT

Correction. The game is a winner when a player who sends out derogatory messages to the opposition players in the middle of a series, is thrown out of the team. Im English nor a Saffer but its my understanding that KP should never be allowed to put on English shirt again. Mr Dravid should take KP with him back to India where its all about personalities and very little cricket.

PRASK
on August 16, 2012, 17:43 GMT

Very well said but our enlgish counterparts wont agree with that...as they have learnt to blame IPL/BCCI for evr thing...Great exmple came when kalis was given out wrongly, and they inspite of discussing about his dissmissal , wanted to make sure that DRS doesnt take the blame as that would have strenghten BBCI stand against DRS.....:)

BRUTALANALYST
on August 16, 2012, 17:41 GMT

Finally some sense from one of the greatest test batsman of all time.

gtzshotta
on August 16, 2012, 17:39 GMT

It would make the IPL of richer quality and it would make Test cricket of richer quality.

sankydagr8
on August 16, 2012, 17:35 GMT

If Cricket Boards put their egos aside none of this fuss would have happened.

asiacricket1234
on August 16, 2012, 17:35 GMT

Wasnt expecting such rubbish from Rahul Dravid. When he played for India he ignored any offer if it required him to miss matches for India because he loved his country and honest to his fan. How come he ask for a window for IPL so players dont have to miss test. This question shouldnt even be there. If you are playing for your country than that should be the most important to you not MONEY. We should not have any window for a Domestic League. If there is anyone who doesnt wanna play for his country because he loves the money more than he doesnt deserve to be in the team. ECB have done a great job. Well Done,

on August 16, 2012, 17:31 GMT

wow so dravid will u let play all the international players in ipl? or what u gonna tell other players to when u guys play ipl????? if u want a window for ipl then make it 11 international players, not 4

on August 16, 2012, 17:30 GMT

I like IPL cuz it gives to players that money really deserve it. other t20 leagues bpl, slpl are just jokes. icc should only reconyge ipl and bbl. anyway i hate t20, its just baseball

ExplicitPlatinum
on August 16, 2012, 17:28 GMT

If Test cricket is a loser without top players, then I'd have to agree with Dravid. Slight problem is that players like Azhar Ali are not given the limelight they deserve.

Narbavi
on August 16, 2012, 17:23 GMT

There you go!! So true from the great man, we love watching these guys play test cricket as much as the ipl, so that's the best solution, create a window and also make ipl a bit shorter, people may blame ipl, but you got to agree that the fans and players love it, so you have to come to terms with it, well said Rahul! You are the best!!

No featured comments at the moment.

Narbavi
on August 16, 2012, 17:23 GMT

There you go!! So true from the great man, we love watching these guys play test cricket as much as the ipl, so that's the best solution, create a window and also make ipl a bit shorter, people may blame ipl, but you got to agree that the fans and players love it, so you have to come to terms with it, well said Rahul! You are the best!!

ExplicitPlatinum
on August 16, 2012, 17:28 GMT

If Test cricket is a loser without top players, then I'd have to agree with Dravid. Slight problem is that players like Azhar Ali are not given the limelight they deserve.

on August 16, 2012, 17:30 GMT

I like IPL cuz it gives to players that money really deserve it. other t20 leagues bpl, slpl are just jokes. icc should only reconyge ipl and bbl. anyway i hate t20, its just baseball

on August 16, 2012, 17:31 GMT

wow so dravid will u let play all the international players in ipl? or what u gonna tell other players to when u guys play ipl????? if u want a window for ipl then make it 11 international players, not 4

asiacricket1234
on August 16, 2012, 17:35 GMT

Wasnt expecting such rubbish from Rahul Dravid. When he played for India he ignored any offer if it required him to miss matches for India because he loved his country and honest to his fan. How come he ask for a window for IPL so players dont have to miss test. This question shouldnt even be there. If you are playing for your country than that should be the most important to you not MONEY. We should not have any window for a Domestic League. If there is anyone who doesnt wanna play for his country because he loves the money more than he doesnt deserve to be in the team. ECB have done a great job. Well Done,

sankydagr8
on August 16, 2012, 17:35 GMT

If Cricket Boards put their egos aside none of this fuss would have happened.

gtzshotta
on August 16, 2012, 17:39 GMT

It would make the IPL of richer quality and it would make Test cricket of richer quality.

BRUTALANALYST
on August 16, 2012, 17:41 GMT

Finally some sense from one of the greatest test batsman of all time.

PRASK
on August 16, 2012, 17:43 GMT

Very well said but our enlgish counterparts wont agree with that...as they have learnt to blame IPL/BCCI for evr thing...Great exmple came when kalis was given out wrongly, and they inspite of discussing about his dissmissal , wanted to make sure that DRS doesnt take the blame as that would have strenghten BBCI stand against DRS.....:)

getsetgopk
on August 16, 2012, 17:44 GMT

Correction. The game is a winner when a player who sends out derogatory messages to the opposition players in the middle of a series, is thrown out of the team. Im English nor a Saffer but its my understanding that KP should never be allowed to put on English shirt again. Mr Dravid should take KP with him back to India where its all about personalities and very little cricket.